Santa Beso

A Pink Book with Gold Letters

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:33:00 +0000

I grabbed a couple from our nightstands and couple from the built-in next to our fireplace. Then I remembered one from my daughter’s room sitting on a shelf on her wall. Before I knew it I had a stack of them piled high sitting on the kitchen table.

The amount of Bibles I have in my home doesn’t mean I am holy. It doesn’t even prove that I know a lot about holiness. It shows that I am a wealthy person. Wealthy beyond my imagination.

When I think I don’t have much, I can reflect on this collection and know I have a lot. This stack provides wisdom. If my heart is empty, it can easily be filled. Pain is easily cured with a healing balm that only the words in these books can supply. I’m never at a loss. I am always in surplus.

While collecting my wealth, I came across a particular Bible that was given to me when I was around eight years old. It was a Christmas gift given to me from my brother.

He’s thirteen years older than me, and when I was eight years old he had a life changing experience with Jesus. It all had to do with what was written in this pink book filled with beautiful pictures.

Because of the age difference between me and my brother, I’ve adored him as far back as I can remember. To get a beautiful pink book with my name written in gold letters on the front cover as a gift from him was almost as wonderful as getting a pony.

One day I will give this book to my daughter. It is a gift that will never grow old and the meaning behind the story line will never get lost through the passing of generations.

It’s relevant, meaningful, and when it takes root in my daughter’s heart- it will be with her when she faces times that I, as her mother, cannot extend help.

But the giving doesn’t just stop with her. It continues.

The Vidunda people are waiting for a “pink book” right now, and with your help and mine we can be that example that they need- just like I had through my brother. He gave the Word. We can give the Word too.

When you donate a few dollars you’re helping end Bible poverty. When you donate a few moments of your day to pray for these people you are giving more than just money- you are giving your heart.

I’m asking you today to just take a brief moment and pray for these people. While you’re doing a small task that causes you stop and have a few minutes of quite- lift the name of the Vidunda people up to the Father.

One day a pink book will be placed into my daughter’s sweet hands with a story behind the gift. Will you be part of the story when a book is placed in the hands of the people in Africa?

Mamma Got a New Pair of Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Ever since my husband and I have been married I’ve wanted to see Jim Brickman in concert during Christmas. For those of you who don’t know who he is, just go to one of those music kiosks at Target by the candle section and you can listen to him there. Yes, I admit I listen to elevator music and I love every minute of it.

This past December my wait came to a halt. It truly was an anniversary gift to remember.

This once, or so it seemed, in a life time occasion called for mamma to get something special that makes all girls feel like a lady. A pair of black heels. You know? The kind you don’t wear when you’re chasing kids in the backyard or scrubbing toilets. I got the kind that only work for a few hours and then you’re ready to soak your feet in a hot tub for the rest of the night.

When buying those shoes I NEVER dreamed I would get an email from Melissa inviting me to join her in NYC to see Jim Brickman in concert, and to meet him in person.

THAT’S RIGHT!!! I am going to New York City!!!!!

Now that I’ve got that out of my system I’ll move on to how this should encourage you. Unfortunately, I’m not giving away a ticket to NYC. I so wish that I could because I’m sure we would have tons of fun. Instead, I’m telling you this:

If you’ve ever doubted the authenticity of friendship that is created here in the blog world I’m finding out first hand- it is real. I am one of those who really and truly believes in the community that is built and the ministry that happens within the blogospere.

This is not a place where you come, read, comment, walk away and are quickly forgotten. You do matter, and you are very much wanted and more than anything you are needed.

I thank the Lord for the readers that I have, and for those of you who’ve contacted me with prayer requests- I really am praying for you and thank you that you would trust me with your heart.

As I stomp around NYC with my blog friend, who is a real friend, I will think of you. And I can promise you that I will NOT be wearing my black heels. Oh no! That calls for a whole new pair of shoes!!

This is my first time to go to NYC. If you have been to NYC, I’d love for you to tell me some of your favorite things about it. If you haven’t, what are some things you’d love to see?

You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:39:00 +0000

**If you have not watched The Help yet, and you don’t like to know what’s in a movie before watching it- you may want to skip this post. Sorry!**

Friday night is usually date night for Jeremiah and me. Now that we have kiddos the best date nights do not consist of eating out or a movie at the theatre. After the kiddos go down for the night we’ll get some take-out and relax in our jammies under warm blankets and enjoy having the TV to ourselves.

Last Friday we rented The Help, and if you’ve seen it I’m sure you can agree with me that it is an AMAZING movie. And no, I haven’t read the book. I would love to, but waiting to watch the movie after I read the book will take a couple of years I’m sure. I have small kids right now I feel like my excuses are legit.

The water works began pretty much at the very beginning of the movie when it opened with this scene:

The movie concluded with those words as well. You is kind, You is smart, You is important.

I couldn’t help but think about how the little girl in the movie would actually believe those words about herself at a deeper level if they were spoken to her, not by a helper, but by her own mother.

As a woman there is this constant battle in my mind fighting for truth to reign and win, and there is only one place where truth is found. These Words are the ones that will conquer over every false accusation. They are spoken to me by my Father.

In the quiet of night. When I’m still in my thoughts, words run through my head.

I want words to run through her head. Not ones that keep her down or remind her of the obvious weaknesses she struggles with on a daily basis. Words that she can trust and hold onto for dear life, for all of her life.

photo source: Courtesy of my friend and photographer, Jessica Rockwell.
Lilly’s newborn pics.

Joy List #16-39

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:08:00 +0000

This week was more of a “normal” week as I looked for things to fill my joy list. The only thing is I’m still not quite sure what normal looks like. Because for me if normal means I’m too busy to look for everyday miracles, I’ll stick with what I have now. I like the slowness that this joy dare is pulling me toward.

I’m back tracking to make up for lost time so, you’ll have to bare with me as I jump from here, there and everywhere.

3 things about yourself you are grateful for
#16 I like to laugh a lot and real hard
#17 I’m quick witted
#18 I can empathize with people

3 gifts found in Christ
#19 Unconditional Love
#20 Peace
#21 Comfort

3 things that are blue
#22 My son’s blue eyes
#23 My daughter’s blue eyes
#24 My husband’s blue eyes

one grace borrowed, one grace found, one grace inherited
#25 boots for my son to wear on “Cowboy Day” at school
#26 spirograph gears
#27 the importance of praying to God Almighty, something my parents taught me

a gift before nine am, gift before noon, a gift after dark
#28 another day to live
#29 an invitation to a playdate at a friend’s house during lunch and before naps
#30 being able to agreeably and purposefully talk about finances with my husband while writing next month’s budget

3 gifts that might never have been
#31 a college degree that took miracle upon miracle in order for me to achieve
#32 my husband
#33 the desire to have another baby

3 graces found in your friends
#34 the generosity of my friend Melissa- I’m going to see her in NYC in about a week- CANNOT WAIT!!!
#35 how they make me laugh so hard my stomach hurts
#36 a listening, nonjudgmental, understanding ear I can talk to

a song hear, a soft word, where you saw light
#37 Amazing Grace
#38 “I Love You”
#39 light coming in from the restaurant where we at lunch as a family, it’s always nice to get a break from cooking and to know there’s money in the bank to provide a meal

This list is the ongoing Joy Dare that I’ve recently joined at Ann Voskamp’s blog, A Holy Experience. Would you care to join me and see what may cause you to slow down and embrace all that is good and wonderful in your life?

the job that takes more than a 2 weeks notice to quit

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:17:00 +0000

When I went in for my end-of-the-year evaluation in April 2007, I was more than glad to tell my former principal that I wouldn’t come back the following year. I was having a baby, and was officially putting my hat on the shelf as teacher. At least that’s what I thought.

I’ve heard it said that not all teachers are moms, but all moms are teachers. That is true, but coming from a classroom teacher setting it’s very difficult to let go some of the things. The biggest is perfectionism.

I was really good at keeping a classroom orderly. The cabinets were labelled. The paper filed oh so nicely. Parents knew what to expect when they came into conferences. My classroom had structure and not one bit of wiggle room was allowed in the schedule for error. I had it together.

Then I became a stay at home mom. To newborns. Then toddlers. Now a preschooler who is a boy. And boys lose things. A lot.

Guess what? I don’t like it when things get lost. Why? Because I’m a perfectionist whose trying to turn in a two week notice, but it doesn’t work that way. It is a daily, all the time thing that I have to keep in check. And I am not even all that good at being perfect at that, which starts the cycle all over again.

Today after lunch I was picking up a few things in the playroom, and I couldn’t find the gears to Joel’s spirograph.

So I go and punch in my time card because Mrs. Perfectionist has just clocked in and is ready to go to work.

“Where are the pieces to your spirograph?”

He’s a four year old, he doesn’t know. Really? Why do I even ask that?

I call Jeremiah. Yes. I know. I shouldn’t have even done that.

“He said he put them somewhere but can’t remember.”

I get off the phone. We are emptying boxes and sifting through toys. I look at the clock. It’s time for naps.

I lay Lilly down, and tell Joel to go to the bathroom. When laying him down I tell him that I’m going to look all through the house while he takes a nap.

At this point I’m really wanting to tell him that he will never get another toy again until I find those stinking circles.

But I close the door to his room, and I went to mine. I lay myself on my bed and burry my face in my perfectly smoothed down comforter. I start crying. Not over the lost toys, but because I just. can’t. let. it. go. I want to quit and never come back. I want to retire from the job of perfectionist and go on a nice long Mediterranean cruise.

Verses begin to run through my head about trust, faith, comfort and lost things being found.

I feel the the Holy Spirit nudging me: Go back into the playroom and try looking again, and start with the bookcase.

I wipe my face. Calmly walk to the bookcase and pull the first thing off the bookshelf that is eyelevel. A tin box of Cars dominos.

Open it. BOOM! Yep, they’re in there.

Of course I cried like a baby when I found them. I wanted to go run down the street and scream, “I found the spirograph pieces!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!” But then someone would’ve called CPS for leaving the house while the babies were asleep.

Seriously, I know I’m not the only one who deals with this ongoing process. And that’s what I can say that it is right now. It’s not a job that’s easy to let go of like it was for me when I became a full fledge stay at home mom. It’s a process that takes time and much, oh so much, grace.

When Jeremiah came home, Joel told him the whole story. But to hear it through the mouth of a child was more moving than it being told by me.

Today was one of those days that perfectionism showed itself as a weakness in my job as momma. But grace, Jesus, stepped in and took over the “dilemma”. I need to do that more. I’m learning as I go, and thank God He’s so faithful to quickly turn situations into learning opportunities.

Miracles in Everyday Moments

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

I started reading Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, last week. Monday night to be exact. The night my son had round one of stitches in his head. Jeremiah took Joel to the hospital while I kept watch over Lilly, waited, prayed, and read about thankfulness proceeding miracles. I ended on chapter three when the brave boy and patient husband came home from their late night ER visit.

After everyone retired to their designated sleeping stations I laid in bed thinking about gifts and what kind of miracle could be waiting for me if I would dig deep into gratefulness. I couldn’t go to sleep. Something was stirring in me, and I couldn’t let it go.

Then I remembered the dare that I had seen on Ann’s blog. The one that made me think- another thing on the “to do” list for me. PASS! All of a sudden it changed from something I need to do, and into something to do because I need whatever is going to come after #1,000.

So here I am. A little behind on the list, but joining the dare. Joyfully joining the dare.

Shall we begin?

3 gifts in God’s Word
#1 I am blessed when tears flow freely. Joy comes in the morning. Luke 6:21
#2 Wisdom about who to follow in this life. Luke 6:40
#3 God was patient with Gideon for continually asking for assuring confirmation.
     What a relief! I’m not the only one. Judges 6

a grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might never have been
#4 a fridge full of food
#5 a sunny day that allowed me and the kids to go outside and play
#6 my family

3 gifts you saw only when you got close up
#7 lillies begining to come out of the ground
#8 my daughter’s skin is beginning to look better after a bought of eczema
#9 that Joel did make his bed like he said, and it looked pretty good for a 4 yr. old

one thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that’s ugly-beautiful
#10 clear blue skies
#11 when I was 10 yrs old my dad sent me flowers the day after I played in a piano
       recital that gave me such horrible stage fright that I forgot how to play one of
       my songs
#12 my 23mo old’s orange spaghettio stained face

one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
#13 smile wrinkles by my eyes. Reminds me that I smile often.
#14 my husband’s freshly shaven face that brushes against mine when he comes in
      for a kiss
#15 clothes in the dryer that remind me that I have something clean to wear

I’m excited to be participating in this. More than anything I’m excited to see a mysterious miracle happen in me through this journey. No pics this week. I’ll do my best to have some next Monday.

Have a blessed week friends!!!

Ending on a Good Note

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:50:00 +0000

The keys on the laptop have been cool this week because mamma’s fingers have been needing to tend to physical wounds. Most of my words have been poured into a little boy who’s had a more positive attitude during a time of testing than what I’ve had on even some of my best days.

Both Monday and Wednesday evening were spent at the ER getting stitches. Two separate locations. Two different reasons. The first time, he fell off a stool while reaching for a book from his bookshelf. Then at church on Wednesday he was sitting on the floor right under the window in his class. When standing up he hit his eye on the window sill.

Broke this mom’s heart to pieces.

Still, all is ending well this week with a perfectly beautiful day that allowed us to spend some time outside in the “cool sandbox” Jeremiah made. Seventy-five degree weather called for shorts, sandals and a few moments of cloud gazing, and the light of bright sun seemed to burn the bad memories and create ones that make the heart glad it’s alive.

Hope you have a great weekend. Tomorrow is supposed to turn cold. I’m thinking it may call for some peppermint hot chocolate in Valentine Day mugs. Wish you could join us!

Deeper Water

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:03:00 +0000

My Christmas list the past few years has been short. Jeremiah and I are in pursuit to eliminate debt totally and completely from our lives forever. That means at Christmas our presents to one another are limited, but we do feel like it’s Christmas every month by the gift of freedom we find in paying off a mortgage earlier than what the note says. Still, there is significance behind giving gifts during that time of year so three particular gifts under the tree are worth more than what money could purchase.

This year my spiritual growth gift was The Message for my Kindle. I love it. I’ve never read anything more than a few scriptures here and there from this version, and even those are rich. But to have an entire book at my fingertips is a true treasure.

On our way to my parents house for the holidays I flipped through the pages while Jeremiah drove and the kids napped- amazingly for two hours. I read through the first few chapters of Luke vigorously.

Something about chapter 5, one that I’ve read many times, seemed to speak to me in a new way. Don’t you just love when that happens? But to be honest I was feeling something else at that moment.

“he said to Simon, ‘Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.’

Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.

I laid my Kindle down on my lap and gazed out the window into fields of fresh plowed cotton.

“I want to go deeper Lord, but how?”

A peaceful hush comes over my soul. You go with what I have given you.

I thought of this space, and what it means to go deeper here. Fear begins to make itself at home as I rehearse the obvious to the Lord. Look at my following. Do you see the comments or lack thereof? What about the number of times I post a week?

Then I see what the Lord wants. Faith in His Word, Voice, Purpose, and Direction.

I need to let down my net, my home, my children, my everything into deeper water and let Him bring in the increase. An increase in my every day living that can only be seen through the eyes of faith and leaves me in a state of awe crying out to my Maker, “I can’t handle this holiness.”

This year, will be the year that I go to places I’ve never been. This is the year that I will go deeper.

Organized Simplicity {free book for Kindle}

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:45:00 +0000

Y’all know how much I love Simple Mom, so you know when I saw on facebook amazon is offering Tsh’s book for you to upload onto your Kindle for free.

My best friend and I decided that this is a must have accessory. So last night we went shopping, and I have to say it really looks good on her.

This book was monumental for the sanity of our home last year, so I HIGHLY encourage you to get this book while you can.

Today is the last day, or so I’ve heard, so get it while you can!!!

Thanks Simple Mom and Amazon!

Inspired to Translate

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +0000

As I walked through the doors of the corporate headquarters of The Seed Company something immediately caught my eye. I was welcomed by this beautiful piece of work.

This picture is a gift given to the founder of The Seed Company, Bernie May.

I think of how inspiring it would be if I worked at The Seed Company’s facilities and had this greeting me in the morning on my way to my office. It would remind me that every bit of what I do behind the computer, on the phone or in prayer is helping make people richer than they ever dreamed. A wealth that is greater than what a dollar can provide. But my motivation wouldn’t stop at the front door.

All along the walls are endless works of art and beautiful photographs capturing the heart of what it is like to receive a world of wealth wrapped between two hard covers.

While touring the facility my last stop was in the audio translation area. I turned to see this picture.

Bill McCoy began to share with me how wonderful it is to see a young mother give her child the gift of The Word.

I couldn’t help but tear up, much like I did at Relevant. This time I was thinking about myself, not as a translator in a foreign land, but as a translator within the four walls of my home. I began to see the pictures of the faces God gives me everyday. These are the faces I have along the walls of my “office”.

They are looking at me, their only form of seeing Jesus in the flesh.

It is my job, as mommy, to teach my children the importance of being a disciple of Christ. As a follower of Jesus, I must share with them the wealth that comes from the Bible and how others need it as well.

So will you join me in the effort in translating the Bible in your home? How about teaching your family the importance of Bible translation around the world?

In Africa there are a group of people in Tanzania called the Vidunda. They do not have the complete translation of the New Testament written in their language, but with your help it can happen. It costs $26 to translate a verse, and it’s very simple to make this a family effort.

One Verse is a component within The Seed Company that provides the opportunity for people to purchase one verse of the Bible to be translated into another language. Of course you can do more than that, but if one verse is too much for you, would you pray for these people, that they would quickly receive the entire New Testament in their own language? Even more would you include this in a time of prayer when your family is together? Say- dinner or any other time your family gathers ‘round the table.

There are so many ways to get involved, and as a blogger for One Verse I hope you’ll come back here to see how my family is working together to end Bible poverty.

You may also want to see some of the other bloggers who I’m joining. Their stories are full of inspiration and great tools to learn more about how to increase the speed of Bible translation.

Ordered Footsteps

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:17:00 +0000

We’re barely into the new year, but I’m almost certain I’ve already experienced what will be marked as the highlight of this year for me.

I am a firm believer that my footsteps are ordered by the Lord. I mean, I feel like every person I meet is not something that happened by chance, or should be shrugged off. I believe there is a reason why I bump into who I bump into, and that God is involved with that arrangement. I have no reason to doubt that when it comes to the way I met these two people.

These two wonderful people are the first people I met when I attended The Relevant Conference. No, I don’t mean I met them AT the conference. I met Laura Gish, obviously the lady, in the restroom at the airport after our plane landed. We were on the same plane and after our plane landed in PA, we bumped into each other while washing our hands in the airport restroom. She asked me if I “happened” to be in PA for a for a conference. Well, let’s just say we quickly hit it off, and before I knew it I was in a rental car riding with Laura and Bill McCoy to the hotel.

During the very short distance from the airport to the hotel I felt like each of us were able to share our life history and deep desire for missions and world evangelism without missing a beat. I knew I was among great company with these people, but more than that I loved the company they work for.

Laura and Bill work for The Seed Company. It’s main objective and reason for existence is to put an end to Bible poverty, and when I say that I mean they work with a large staff of highly and passionately motivated people who translate the Living Word into the mother language of every people group in the entire world.

I was all ears when their representative spoke at the conference. Little did I know or expect to have the kind of reaction I did.

Bill and Laura read my post about that event and soon extended an invitation to me to take a look at how and what is exactly done when it comes to the laborious, yet joyous work that it takes to translate a familiar passage of scripture into this:

I can’t wait to share with you all that I learned and how and what it is doing in our family.

This is a very exciting moment, and it’s all because God took my size seven and a half shoes to the the right person at the right time. Don’t doubt where God is taking you, and who He is causing you to meet. Your next “nice to meet you” might be followed up with a life changing event.

Heaven in Everyday Moments

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:11:00 +0000

You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your heavenly home.
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

When the name Santa Beso came to mind for this blog I did not expect for it to bleed over into the everyday moments of my life like it has. Santa Beso means Holy Kiss in Spanish, and I don’t know a lick of Spanish so I knew God was involved with this name completely. I’ve briefly shared about the beginnings of this blog before, but from the moment I thought about the words Santa Beso and the scripture it comes from I began to change how I viewed my life based off of how I felt.

As a child of God I don’t receive abundant life only when I reach eternity, rather my everyday living is filled with glimpses of glory. If I focus on Him I will see fragments of Glory weaved among the monotony of everyday living. My life is kissed by heaven, and in August 2010 I needed to see and and learn to intentionally look for those things more than ever in my life.

This year I want to focus on allowing this space to help you see that this is true for your life as well. We all have everyday moments that serve as reminders of eternity.

Love
Joy
Peace
Family
Jesus
Worship
Home
Friends
Conversation
Community
Fun
Gratitude
Health
Rest
The Nations

The list could definitely go on, but I’m going to leave that to you. What would you tag on to this list? What do you see in your life that makes you thankful for today, and yearn for eternity at the same time?

An Invitation for Me and for You

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:25:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I smiled and tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I read an email sent to me by a friend who I met in the Harrisburg Airport.

I’ve been invited to learn, see, hear and I’m sure become inspired by what is done through The Seed Company. If you are not familiar with who they are, they are a company that translates the Bible into many languages around the world. Their purpose is to end poverty, Bible poverty.

I am sending you an invitation as well. I invite you to pray for me as I journey there. The distance to The Seed Company’s facility is not too far of a drive for me, only a few minutes from where I live. The place where you can pray isn’t either. Just a short whisper to the Father right now, where you are will do.

I want the Lord to open my heart, mind, and life up to what He wants to do through this visit. I am just one person. I am not a linguist. But I am a willing vessel. I want others to know Him, and as I sit and read the only Word that reads me at the same time- I know I have a gift. It is a mandate to take it to others.

Thank you dear friends. I am headed there Wednesday and joy overflow is my fuel.

Four Years Ago Today

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

I didn’t have a blog four years ago today so I’ll do my best to recapture one of the most amazing days of my life. I was blessed to experience a one of a kind miracle that lasts for a brief moment. The birth of a child. The birth of this child.

When I went to my first prenatal visit ever I was given a due date- January 10th, 2008. I’m not good with keeping track of the needed information when it comes to determining when a baby is due. Yes, I drive my OBGYN up the wall with that because I did the same thing with baby number two. So the due date was a complete guesstimate.

Because of my lack of information I was sent to have a sonogram that very day, and low and behold I was a bit further along than what any of us thought. My due date was changed to December 29th and I was also leaving the doctors office with a picture of my sweet baby BOY!! Something I had no plans on finding out that day.

Skip ahead to December 28th, 2007.

I really didn’t feel that I got to the “I’ve gotta have this baby or I’m gonna scream” feeling until that night. I was going to my final prenatal visit the next day, and I knew what was going to happen. It was either the baby would have to come that night or within a week. If not an induction date would be set up, and I absolutely did not want that. I don’t know why, but I just liked the idea of my internal water balloon bursting on its own.

Every day I went past the 29th without a baby in my arms I would go to sleep praying for my water to break, and wake up with a baby still in my womb. I was R.E.A.D.Y. to have this baby.

The night before my prenatal visit to set a date for an induction Jeremiah decided we should see a movie. He knew this would be a great way to get my mind off of the obvious and hopefully lift my spirits. My mom stayed with us after the original due date came and went. So all three of us piled into our small sedan and watched National Treasurer 2.

When we got back home my sister-in-law called to see how I was feeling. I had not one single contraction until the moment she called. I ignored it though because I didn’t want to get my hopes up high and wake up disappointed. After our conversation everyone said their good nights and went to bed.

I got up during the night with one of my frequent pit stops to the bathroom. I woke up for round two, but this time it was different. I knew something was about to happen that would forever change the rhythm of that night.

We moved into our current home a few months before, and discovered the breaker box was outside in the backyard. In between the two bathroom breaks the breaker went out on Jeremiah. On the way to the bathroom I told Jeremiah he was going to have to switch it for me because I needed to see where I was going.

Let’s just say he was not enthusiastic about the idea of putting on clothes to go outside in the FREEZING cold. His pace changed dramatically when I told him that I think I felt something snap inside of me and I thought it might be my water breaking. When he had come in from the FREEZING cold outside I was in the bathroom with more fluids coming out of me than I ever expected. My water broke just as he walked back into our bedroom.

With me standing in a puddle that was seemed to be a never ending flow we were laughing hysterically because there was no end to the gush. When we finally gained composure he woke my mom up and after an hour of waiting for a contraction to hit again I decided it was time to go to the hospital.

When we got to the hospital at around midnight the contractions began to hit like a whirlwind. Jeremiah and I went to Lamaze classes and the first thing they tell you to not do during a contraction is hold your breath. Well, guess what my first reaction was? Yes. I couldn’t help it. They were so sudden and unexpected that it was hard not to.

Things happened very quickly from there. I dilated quickly and I almost didn’t have an epidural, but thankfully it happened. The anesthesiologist who was on call fell back to sleep when he was notified and my attending nurse had to wake him up again.

After I had the epidural it wasn’t but a couple of hours and I was ready to do the great push off. At 5:22 am January 4, 2008 I delivered the most amazing, gorgeous and breathtaking baby boy I had ever laid eyes on. If there is one moment in my life I wish I could redo it would be that one. Not because I would change anything, but because it was the most perfect moment in my life. I don’t think it could have been any better than the way it happened.

The moment the doctor brought Joel up after I delivered him and I saw him for the first time was the most “God is here” moments in my life. He truly was there.

I love this little guy. He is a present every day of my life. The job of being a mother is the most challenging I’ve ever had, but it’s only because I have one chance at this and I want to do it well. I want Joel to know he was worth birthing and he is worth my time and everything that I can give to him. These past four years have been the best of my life. Happy Birthday to my sweet “big” boy.

Our White Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:56:00 +0000

After opening presents Christmas morning my husband and I loaded the kids up into the car for an almost 7 hour drive to visit my family in West Texas. We stayed at my parent’s home so a few day break from blogging turned into almost a week long break. They have less than perfect internet service so things like a post about my family’s Christmas had to be put on hold for a little while.

I haven’t seen my parents in a good while due to my mom’s chemo sessions, so this was an extra special trip for all of us. The kids hadn’t seen Grandma in almost seven months so we had much anticipation, but we weren’t anticipating this:

According to the weather forecast snow was supposed to arrive before we got into town. To see flakes coming down about an hour before we arrived in Amarillo was a special treat.

Since it started snowing in the evening I knew a fresh blanket would be waiting for the kids to dive into the next morning.

It was a wonderful surprise for my entire family. In our eight years of being married, Jeremiah still hadn’t seen snow in my hometown during any of our visits. Joel kept asking if it would snow at Grandma’s house. To see this glorious arrival on Christmas day was a true blessing.

And then to see my siblings, their spouses and my nieces and nephew was refreshing.

We all knew that indeed this Christmas was one where life was celebrated. The life of my mother. The life of Jesus.

My family is a bit funny. I mean we are comical funny. We seem to find humor in the midst of trial. I think that’s one of our strengths.

Even though this post is a bit late when it comes to a calendar. I can’t help but share with you a little about how our Christmas went this year and thank all of you for the love and support you’ve shown our family this past year.

May you have a blessed and wonderful new year!

Rules vs. Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:19:00 +0000

When I taught elementary school I had a list of expectations posted for all my students to see and read. I never referred to them as rules because as you and I know- rules are meant to be bent and broken.

As a teacher I felt my expectations were simple, fair and easy to understand. And as I heard one “expert” say in a teaching workshop- limiting the amount of words in an expectation to five or less cuts down on memory loss. For instance, it’s easier to remember “treat others with respect” than it is to give a list of who’s included with “others” and try to explain what respectful means. Minimal words seemed to bring big results.

It seems I’ve carried a list of expectations over into my home and my everyday life as well. When I tell my spouse and children I love them I expect nothing less than to hear the same thing back. Even my kids expect something from me. A bed time story. Milk in the fridge. Hugs when they hurt. This list goes on and the levels of expectation vary.

The thing about an expectation vs. a rule is that the pain of disappointment is much heavier. Rules are written without emotion, while expectations are built on relationship and trust. If a referee drops a flag, he’s not thinking about how he feels. If a friend, spouse or anyone close to me says, “You’ve failed my expectation.”, I’m forced to react with my heart.

But what if that relationship is our Maker? The one who formed us and crafted us after His own image. What if you are staring at December 31st in the face and saying, “God, you disappointed me. YOU failed my expectation.”?

The answer is easy.

God’s not looking at the calendar as a rule book. He’s not looking at a date as a deadline, He’s looking at our lives. He has no limits or boundaries. And just when we think we know Him- He exceeds our expectations. So don’t hold Him to a time limit, but rather His Words which are full of Great Expectations He is saying to us right now and every day of our lives, “The best is yet to come.”

What are you expecting from Him? What are some things that you are putting into God’s hands and saying- it’s in Your time? I’d love to hear them and this year let’s motivate one another to trust Him who is able.

Linking this up to: A Holy Experience: Walk With Him Wednesday.

Merry Christmas to All

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:05:00 +0000

Just a few pictures capturing our Christmas memories so far this year.

My family wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

As the next few days pass may we take time to reflect on Jesus Christ the Incarnate Prince of Peace.

Santa Beso will be closed down for a couple of days. Thank you to all my faithful readers and friends who make this space a community of people who believe that Heaven did come here to Earth over two thousand year ago, and He still walks among us today.

Merry Christmas.

Busy Sidewalks

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0000

I'm learning as a parent there are things that I do only because I love my children, like eating at places that have a toy included with a kid’s meal and facing busy crowds just to name a few.

This time of year makes me want to stay indoors even more. The chill in the air, crowds and more crowds make me a scrooge. Plus with two kids under four years old, it’s just a mess with coats, car seats, strollers and the inevitable war that leaves some, if not all, of us in tears.

In order to avoid that scenario my family and I decided to stay put at Thanksgiving, and skip the tradition of visiting family in West Texas. We made up for it though by venturing out to watch the Parade of Lights in downtown on Black Friday.

As we settled into a spot that seemed perfect for the kids to watch the lights that would soon pass by, I took a ten minute hunt to see if I could find anything picture worthy. This is what I came up with.

Busy sidewalks.

I almost deleted this picture, but it reminded me of a time in my life where every day I felt like this. Alone in a busy crowd.

There are a lot of new things that come with the first few years of marriage, but everything seemed new to me. New church. New home. New roommate. New town.

It was hard. I moved from everything that was familiar and started brand new. The only thing that I had to fall back on was work, but even that changed after marriage. I went from driving 5 minutes to work everyday to 45 minutes. So there wasn’t much time between the end of a work day and dinner.

I found myself in a place that I hadn’t visited since junior high- the no friends club.

Of course my husband was my bestest friend ever, but it literally felt like I didn’t have anyone besides him. And girls sometimes need another woman to have a very serious discussions with other girls like nail polish or something like that.

At that time, old friends were too far away or in a different place in life. New friends were- well there weren’t really a lot. We were one of the only newly married couples in our church, and it wasn’t uncommon for us to hear people say the word “busy” in conversation.

I began to see myself pull away from building relationships altogether because I literally felt like it wasn’t worth my time because nobody had time.

When we moved into our current home I found myself on the floor in one of the spare bedrooms asking God to help me find friends and real ones. The kind who love to laugh so hard it makes my stomach hurt. Not too long after that things began to take a different direction in the area of friends through all sorts of avenues that I never dreamed were available. On of a great mom’s group in my neighborhood, I discovered the opportunity of friendship through blogging. Now I have all kinds of people to talk to about nail polish, and more than that- my family and how to serve all of them in a busy life.

The ability to connect with people is one of the biggest blessings God has given us on this earth. After all He really does like to connect to us, and is never to busy to commune with us. He’s always available. Aren’t you thankful for that?

I’m thankful you’re here. Life is busy, and that’s just how it goes at times. So for you to take the time to read this blog means a lot to me, and I do hope that you find yourself a friend here at this place. That’s what it’s made for. So regardless of our busy schedules the stories here are always available to you.

Here are some other ways to stay connected: Santa Beso’s facebook community and on twitter.

Oh Come Ye, Oh Come Ye to…

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:26:00 +0000

I opened my inbox this morning to find several emails telling me I looked good. Wow! What a way to be greeted in the morning, but it didn’t have anything to do with how I actually looked in the present. It had everything to do with today’s post at (in)courage.

All the clips for this video were taken at The Relevant Conference. If this video moves you like it does me, then going to Relevant and meeting many of the women who are writers for (in)courage was that multiplied one hundred times.

I by no means have a home that is worthy of being dubbed a beach home, but nonetheless I am going to turn it into an oasis for women who are needing to get away.

So I invite you to come. Come if you’re tired. Come if you are energized. Come if you are poor in spirit. Come if your heart is in a place of overflow.

Just. Come. As. You. Are.

I am the Fort Worth, TX hostess for (in)RL, and I invite all my friends near and far to make this funness happen in the place that I call home, and love to make others feel like it’s theirs too.

Can’t wait to see you!!!

do you see what I see

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:52:00 +0000

We hopped in the car a couple weeks ago to go hunting, and not for anything that required us wearing camouflage. Instead, we wore coats and smidges of ice cream on our face left over from reverse dinner.

Our yearly tradition of finding a Hallmark ornament was particularly special this year, so we had to start the evening off with something special. Nothing beats having ice cream before actual dinner.

In years past finding an ornament has been very easy and fast. There’s always an ornament for a new house or a baby’s first Christmas, but this year my family has experienced something that cannot be seen with physical eyes. Our family has had an inward working by our Maker.

Now more than ever in my married life do I see what my family is called to do and the path God wants us to take. By God directing both my husband and I in finding our family’s purpose statement, our anchor that has held us strong through some very hard times this year, we’ve discovered why we exist as a family.

So when looking for the right ornament, there wasn’t a picture in mind. There was a word.

As my children and both my husband and I were sitting on the floor at Hallmark looking at all the ornaments only one stood out from among the rest. I showed my husband a particular trinket and as soon as his eyes read a certain word, he looked at me. I’m sure the song playing in the background was, “Do you See What I See?”.

Not only did this ornament have “the word” inscribed on it, but two presents are under the tree. What a precious reminder that our children are indeed a gift from Almighty God, and He’s graciously trusted both my husband and I to cover them just like a Christmas tree does over presents.

When hanging our new ornament along with the ones from years past on the Christmas tree, I noticed the one from my mine and Jeremiah’s first year of marriage. It reads, “Our First Christmas Together.”

It was a gift given to us at our wedding. Not knowing that we would have the word “together” as our family purpose statement, it was evident that even back then God intended for us to focus on that word.

So yes. I do see what He sees. Sometimes it’s not always bright and clear, but regardless of my shaded view of things- His hand is on us. His love in us. His grace works through us. And He miraculously causes things to work TOGETHER for the good.

Do you see what He sees in you?

He sees something so amazing and wonderfully special. He sees the number of your days and plans that are indescribably remarkable for your life. He knows all our needs, and is no stranger to our weaknesses. Wherever you are at in your life- He sees you and He sees why you exist, and more than anything He wants you to see what He sees.

Sharing this at: A Holy Experience, Thought Provoking Thursday

go tell it on the mountain

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:50:00 +0000

There aren’t many mountains here in Texas, and all of them are too far from me to proclaim good news. Instead, I’ll use what God’s given me to make a declaration known- this blog.

At eleven o’clock this morning my mother called me to share the results from the CT/PET scan that she had yesterday. I can join with the angels a song of thanksgiving and sing “Hallelujah”. My mother is CANCER FREE!!!!!

Christmas has come early for my family. The Baby that so gently wrapped His fingers around Mary’s the night He was born wrapped His around my mother’s hand, and He clothed her with healing. In fact He took hold of all my family’s hands as we’ve wept and believed that His entry into this fallen world was to redeem and rescue us from what was intended to destroy us.

With a heart filled with joy and eyes filled with tears I can shout from the rooftops, the mountains and from every place that God gives me- He is STILL on the throne!!!!

He is Emmanuel, God is with us. He has always been and always will be with us. He walked with my mom and my entire family as we’ve prayed and waited for a miracle. And that is just what all this is- a MIRACLE!

I want to thank ALL of you who’ve been the Body of Christ my family and I needed during this time. You mean so much to me. The richness of friendship and love has overwhelmed me beyond words.

Thank you- everyone!!! Most of all thank you Jesus. Oh, sweet Jesus. Thank You!!!!

linking this to: chatting at the sky

the moment of truth

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Good morning all my friends in the blogging community.

I’m briefly coming back to this space, Santa Beso, to ask you a heartfelt question.

Today my mom is having one of her last tests to see how much cancer has been eliminated after 6 months of intense chemotherapy.

I’m asking you to agree with me that our Lord will, through his mercy, perform a miracle and cause all the results to return negative.

I’ve taken a few weeks off from blogging to revisit some of the truths of why I am blogging and what makes coming to my computer to write words meaningful and worth my time.

With a grateful heart I can say this break has proven to be nothing but good and refreshing for me on a personal level.

One of the many reasons the Lord’s shown me blogging is something He wants me to do is to use this space as a platform for my mom and for others who are fighting cancer with God Almighty holding their right hand.

I’m not sure when I will be able to call myself officially back in the game of blogging, but this space is always available to ask you to join me in prayer.

I know the gates of heaven are rattling today because breakthrough is on its way for my mom. Thank you for standing in the gap for her today. And thank you to all of you who’ve been with me through this journey. It’s been absolutely wonderful to see God use this space in the way He has thus far in this area of my life.

Thank you so much dear friends.

The Observer

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:28:00 +0000

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about names. Especially the ones of the people who live in my home. I believe that the meaning of a name is incredibly important, and by the looks of it I’m not the only one.

If you google name meanings you will find over 200,000 websites all with the purpose of finding the exact and perfect name.

When our youngest was born his daddy and I gave him a name that we love so very much. His name means “The Lord is God”, and it’s also the name of a prophet in the Bible that proclaimed the Spirit of God would be poured on all flesh.

But see, I really do believe that God sees more than I do when it comes to the names of my children. After all, when they enter into heaven- they will be given a new name. Do I know what it is? No, that’s one of those mysteries that will not be revealed until I get there.

What I have done is ask the Lord to show me what He sees in each of my children. And since He’s given me a life that’s been kissed with heaven, I want to know the things that will help me guide their God-given nature in the right direction- a heavenward direction.

As for my little boy I see things like how he notices when I’ve hung a new picture on the wall or when I put on a shirt that has never been worn- he compliments me.

Then when my husband shows him a maze and says draw a line from the apples to the basket and stay in between the lines, he figures it out in less than 10 seconds. And while listening to my pastor’s radio show in the car he picks up that the radio announcer is talking about our church. I hear Joel say, “Hey!! He said Turning Point Church! That’s where I go to church.”

After watching and listening to my little man- his name is not Joel. His heart is being shown to me as the name of Observer. And here in my life that’s been kissed by the graces of heaven, I have a son who I call The Observer.

My prayer as a mom is that I can direct this little boy to observe the things of God, and to learn the blessing of observing the presence of God.

If you want to learn more about the art of learning your child’s heart let me guide you to one of my new friends from Relevant, Sally Clarkson.

Visiting her blog will bless you so much, and I’m sure you’ll walk away wanting to know how to learn all you can about the heart of your child.

Relevant Part 3: Relieved

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:37:00 +0000

I know I’ve gone on about Relevant for a while now, but truthfully after what I went through to get there- I knew that God had something in store for me more than just blogging tips and connecting with people whom I’ve only met online. I needed to be reminded of something.

I needed something to resonate in my heart that I heard many years ago prior to Relevant. Prior to when I became a mom. Prior to when I first met my wonderful husband. Prior to when I even started college.

More than hearing a particular speaker share words about blogging to a world that needs to read thunder or writing in my element, I needed to see and hear this video.

When I first got off of the plane in PA some of the first people I met were not bloggers going to Relevant. Riding on the same plane as me were a team of people coming to share about The Seed Company to all of the Relevant attendees.

They asked me if I’d like to ride with them to the hotel and I learned more about their hearts in the short distance from the airport to the hotel. But this video captures their vision.

When I was in high school I believe God said I would one day step foot on the second largest continent of the world. I have had the opportunity in my life to do so twice. Both times were short, but both times felt more like home to me than any other place I’ve been.

I’ve often questioned God about Africa and how if fits into my life now. I’ve asked, “Is Africa something that will happen again? Is it something that was only meant as a short term destination? If I am going again why not now? Did you really put those things in my heart God, or did I just have an emotional response?”.

After this video was shown during lunch on the first day, I broke. I had become so hard against what I loved about Africa through years of frustration of not knowing the answers and wondering if I had made a mistake in believing that I was worthy of a calling that seemed too lofty for me to ever be able to accomplish.

In that quite hotel room that God wanted me to have by myself and graciously provided for me, I cried harder than I had in years. And yes, I am definitely sharing more than I what I should in a blog post, but it’s healing oil to me right now. I cried to the point that I did not want to be in the prayer room provided for us for fear I’d make a scene.

God just gently and lovingly reminded me of a scripture that answered all my questions- no I am not worthy. There’s only One who is worthy, I am just willing.

During supper that evening my friend asked me to sum up my day in three words. They were hard to find, and as she began to list some coming to her mind I interrupted with the word- relieved.

That day I was relieved because God was showing me he hadn’t forgotten me. He still has plans for me. He still wants me, and He thinks I’m Relevant.

He thinks you’re Relevant too. He really, really, really does. No mater where you are. No matter what you’re doing. No matter where you’ve gone.

You. Are. Relevant.

Relevant Part 2: Community

noreply@blogger.com (La Donna) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:25:00 +0000

“Community, what does that word mean to you?”, Lisa-Jo Baker from Gypsy Mama asked all of the Relevant attendees on our last night in PA.

My mind went back to when I was a child. I went to the same church camp from the time I was 7 years old until the summer after my senior year in high school. All of us campers waiting to hear about Jesus and have a break from the summer doldrums came from all parts of West Texas. Familiar and new faces were found every summer.

After coming home from camp I would run to the mailbox almost on a daily basis hoping to find a letter, and usually every week I did. Writing and reading letters gave me something to look forward to during hard hormonal teenager days, or the ones I needed a word of encouragement in my walk with Christ.

One of those pen-pals stood as my maid-of-honor at my wedding. Ever since we were 9 years old we’d send each other a dozen letters over a course of a year, and then briefly see each other at camp. She knew me better than anyone else. She didn’t just read my letters, she read my heart.

Now the ancient form of writing letters has taken a new shape. It’s more familiar term is- social media.

I’ve traded in letter writing for blogging, and Relevant was my grown-up camp except without the bug spray, hard metal chairs and camp food. But every bit as much love and Jesus.

Here are just a few of the ladies in my new adult pen-pal circle.

These ladies are my new DFW friends!! A few of us met up before Relevant so it felt like home as soon as I saw their faces. The accents alone felt like a warm blanket.

Amanda emailed me not too long after I published this post, and we’ve been keeping in contact ever since.

I connected with a familiar face and then met Sharon. Both of these ladies were veteran Relevant attendees and incredible mentors for this conference.

It was such a surprise when Sally Clarkson came and sat at my table the first night. I wasn’t quite sure how to act, and didn’t want to look like a dork. But excitement and the awe of being in bloggywood just overcame me.

She was so sweet and made me feel at ease after about the first 10 seconds we started to talk.

Some of the very first people that I met were these sweet ladies, Amy and Hannah. Don’t you just love it when new friends feel like old friends?

The last day was a true blessing with these sweet friends as my lunch buddies in the Relevant cafeteria. Back: Stefanie, Heather, Amanda. Front: Me, Melissa, Jacque

As a community of like-minded bloggers we watch our children grow up before one another’s eyes, impart daily wisdom to each other, send out invitations for a peek into our homes or give a recipe that brought the entire family around the kitchen table. More than anything we give each other a glimpse into our heart through the wonderful world of modern day letter writing, blogging.